Black Nightshade Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,565 found this helpful

All plant parts are toxic, especially unripe green berries; ripe berry toxicity is unconfirmed with conflicting source data.

Toxic compounds are not destroyed by drying, cooking, or ensiling, so contaminated forage remains dangerous for livestock.

Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, CNS depression, cardiac dysfunction, and death in high-dose cases.

FAQ

Is Black Nightshade toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, hypersalivation, confusion, drowsiness, dilated pupils, muscle weakness, paralysis, potential cardiac arrest in severe cases (Moderate)

Is Black Nightshade toxic to Cats?

Hypersalivation, loss of appetite, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate (Moderate)

Is Black Nightshade toxic to Dogs?

Hypersalivation, loss of appetite, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate (Moderate)

Is Black Nightshade toxic to Horses?

Gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, weakness, reduced heart rate, cold extremities, potential cardiac complications (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, hypersalivation, confusion, drowsiness, dilated pupils, muscle weakness, paralysis, potential cardiac arrest in severe cases

Cats

Moderate

Hypersalivation, loss of appetite, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Dogs

Moderate

Hypersalivation, loss of appetite, severe gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, behavioral changes, weakness, dilated pupils, slow heart rate

Horses

Moderate

Gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, drowsiness, CNS depression, weakness, reduced heart rate, cold extremities, potential cardiac complications

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, especially unripe green berries; toxicity of ripe berries varies across sources from non-toxic to highly toxic

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure via ingestion of plant parts; skin contact with sap may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsSolanine; saponins; atropine-like substances; solasodine glycosides (solasonine, solamargine, β2-solamargine); N-methyl-solasodins; 12β-hydroxy-solasodins; 23-O-acetyl-12β-hydroxy-solasodins; tomatidenols; solanocapsin (East African variants); tigogenin glycosides; nitrates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the affected subject's mouth, skin, or surrounding area immediately
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical provider or veterinarian, and the subject is fully conscious
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant to confirm identification for targeted treatment

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal shows any signs of toxicity including hypersalivation, diarrhea, drowsiness, dilated pupils, or behavioral changes
• If ingestion of more than a small bite of the plant (especially unripe berries) is confirmed
• If the exposed animal is pregnant, as toxins may cause fetal birth defects

Prevention

• Remove wild Black Nightshade growth from residential yards, pet enclosures, and livestock pastures
• Avoid foraging for wild berries that may be misidentified as safe edible varieties
• Inspect cut forage for Black Nightshade contamination before feeding to livestock

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (activated charcoal, gastric lavage) appropriate for the exposure timeline
• Administer symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy, anti-emetics, and cardiovascular support as needed
• Monitor vital signs, CNS function, and gastrointestinal status for 24 to 72 hours post-exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSolanum nigrum

AliasesNightshade、Deadly Nightshade

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemHeartReproductive systemSkin

Mechanism of Action

• Alkaloid glycosides irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa causing ulceration, fluid loss, and digestive distress

• Atropine-like compounds disrupt central and autonomic nervous system function leading to CNS depression, dilated pupils, and heart rate abnormalities

• Toxic compounds impair cardiac function, potentially leading to slowed heart rate or cardiac arrest in high exposure cases

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Dyspnea, constipation followed by diarrhea, rumen stasis, drowsiness, dry muzzle, cold extremities, mild hyperthermia; pregnant cows may deliver calves with deformed forelimbs

Pig: Tachycardia, tachypnea, pale mucous membranes, dilated pupils, hypothermia, incoordination, muscle tremors, potential death

Goat: Severe colic, gastrointestinal distress, CNS depression, potential cardiac complications

Sheep: Gastrointestinal irritation, CNS depression, risk of severe illness with high exposure doses

Poultry: Severely toxic, ingestion can cause rapid onset paralysis and sudden death

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

False Jerusalem Cherry / Coral Bush Solanum capsicastrum

Visually similar due to shared bright colored berry fruit; this ornamental species is also toxic to humans and animals

Costa Rica Nightshade Solanum wendlandii

Related climbing vine with similar foliage structure to Black Nightshade, highly toxic if ingested

Jasmine Nightshade Solanum jasminoides

Ornamental vine with shared leaf morphology, toxic if consumed by humans or animals

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Related Toxic Plants

Green Potato (toxic parts)

Solanum tuberosum

Moderate

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.